Advocacy for survivors and community awareness
The Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico provides emotional support to survivors of sexual assault and abuse, and advocates prevention and awareness in the community, according to rapecrisiscnm.org.
Crisis intervention services and resources are available 24 hours a day to anyone who has been affected by sexual violence. The counseling department serves clients through individual therapy and group therapy sessions. Free counseling is available for survivors and their loved ones over the age of 13. Counselors are all specially trained in the field of sexual assault and trauma, according to the Rape Crisis Center’s website.
The counseling department treats about 275 new clients per year in addition to ongoing and group therapy participants.
The center serves Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia counties, but anyone can talk to a trained volunteer advocate through the 24-hour crisis hotline, no matter where they live. The hotline receives about 2,000 calls per year.
The centers mission statement says that “In order to serve the diverse needs of Albuquerque and surrounding communities, we will: take action against sexual violence by challenging all forms of oppression and promoting social justice. Create a work culture that is supporting, caring, honest, safe, accessible, and which promotes trust and open communication. Promote self-renewal and healing for anyone affected by sexual assault,” according to the website.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling the Rape Crisis Center at 505-266-7712 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Volunteer advocates who provide support, advocacy and crisis intervention can be reached at 266-7711 and toll-free at 888-811-8282. For more information go to rapecrisiscnm.org or email an advocate at ask@rapecrisiscnm.org.
